Architecture is Science Not Drawing

The work of an architect requires creativity of extreme levels. However, creativity is not the only thing required for becoming an architect. Proper education and a certain level of experience is required if you want to become and architect. Many people give examples of great architecture being built without any accredited degree. They point towards the wonders of the world to establish their claims. You need to remember that the times have changed. And even in the older days not everyone could be an architect. There is certain level of knowledge of science required to design structures. Observe the pyramids in Egypt carefully and look at the precision with which they are made. You need to have some certification to prove to companies that you are worthy of designing for them. Though you might have knowledge of CAD and other up to date technology regarding the field, you still would not be a licensed architect. In order to do that, every country has put up certain requirements. There are ways of becoming an architect without getting enrolled in any bachelors programs. However, these methods are not available for people living everywhere.

If you think that you can start designing projects without education, then you are wrong. There are certain steps to avoid the bachelors though. First of all you need to check with the accreditation body of your respective state. Keep in mind that rules and regulations usually vary between the states. The alternative of not doing bachelors would require you to have quite some years of experience. Not to mention you would have to undergo a bothersome number of diplomas. In short there is no way that you can skip education in the process of becoming an architect. After that you would need to apply as an architect to your state.

This all is bothersome work. Take the simple road and you would end up with quality of knowledge and a decent experience as well. The only drawback of doing bachelors and masters is that you would have to cut up with your social life. Usually universities offer 5 years of bachelors and 2 or 3 years of masters programs. There are certain things which you need to know about architecture. It is true that it requires creativity and determination to make a design. However, it involves usage and manipulation of numbers as well. So if you are weak or hate mathematics then choose another line of work. Apart from that there is nothing else that you should be worried about. Pass your senior high school with a B grade as the average and apply to a collage well before your senior high is over. Do not forget to check the accreditation of the collage you are applying to. You can do bachelors in architecture or you could do bachelors in related or not related field and then do masters in architecture.

Do not just apply to one institution. Send your admission to as many accredited institutions as possible. CAD and other new technology to aid and guide you professionally would be taught in the semesters. Do not waste your summers by doing nothing. Apply for internships or a part time job so that you might have experience before you get the degrees. Keep in mind that you need to apply everywhere well within the due date. Also ensure that all your paper work is properly compiled and completed while you are sending it. Any missing document might delay the procedure and you might miss the deadline. Check in with the accredited body of your state for the requirements of becoming a licensed architect for further information.

History of Architecture

History of architecture starts when first time men though to build beautifully. A building without beauty is merely a structure, not an art. Utilitarian considerations of a building, stability and strength are works of engineers. It’s the work of architects to add the beauty to it. Architecture is actually an art which guides us to harmonize in a building both the beauty and utility requirements of a building. Architecture stands at top in the category of useful arts. It is concerned with not only to provide a shelter to man but also to take cares of his basic requirements e.g. place for worship, tombs, business, memorials and other structures which are needed in complex civilization. Architecture depicts about the civilization of an age or a race.

Historical background

Geographical signs indicate that architecture originated in Nile valley for the first time, whereas second centre of architecture were observed in valley of Tigris and Euphrates. Art of Tigris and Euphrates blended in art of Greek, although Greek architecture has a strong origin itself. After those Romans developed a base for both construction and decoration and from them it spread to the civilized world. After many historical developments in fifteenth century in Italy, marvelous series of wonderful architectural presentations in the form of churches, palaces and monuments took its origin borrowed from Roman art. The influence of this architecture spread in Europe in sixteenth century but it lost its taste in the next two centuries. In nineteenth century, due to development of resources, architecture flourished greatly.

In Eastern land, architecture of India, China and Japan was most popular. Out of these, first one emphasized more on decorative side as compared to constructive side. It introduced a new art of palaces and mosques of Turkey, Spain, Persia and India to the world.

The fundamental structural principles are basically three on which all architecture is based. These are lintel, vault or arch and truss. Lintel depicts resistance to strains. Truss is the framework of a building composed of material which can resist to strain. Adoption of these principles actually affects the styles and decoration of the buildings.

Architectural style

Architectural style of a historical building is the expression of solemnity and majesty of a nation. It doesn’t take its place due to accidents but due to social, religious, moral and different conditions it spreads. Each style is actually based upon some principles. It could be affected by its surrounding civilizations. In history each style of architecture undergoes successive development using all the possibilities to achieve perfection.  There is also a period of decline in many architectural styles. It can be due to extinction of a civilization or due to evolution of new styles. History of architecture is like a chain in which each style is connected to previous one.

Architectural styles actually work on how they cover the enclosed spaces like arches, moldings, piers, traceries, and piers and how the decoration of these enhance the beauty of the building.

Combination of ancient one and modern architecture took place with the passage of time.  Through inheritance people adopted existing cultures. Same is the case with building but they incorporated them with previous cultures to create fashionable buildings. Due to this, architecture becomes a blend of past and present. From ecological view, combination of ancient and modern architecture is very important due to preservation of past resources and also generation of existing buildings. In various high profile buildings ancient and modern architecture are blended e.g. in Pierre de Meuron, Tate Modern and Jacques Herzog. In Paris the pyramid in the centre of Louvre show a reflection of 13^th century palace. Architecture based on combination of ancient and modern ones give attraction to buildings and houses and also preserves past architectural styles.